Thomas Boyd/The OregonianUO quarterback Jeremiah Masoli has been accused of being involved in an alleged theft. No charges have been field.A big pat on the back to Corvallis-based freelance reporter Lindsay Schnell, a regular Oregonian contributor, who has been ahead of everybody on the developing story concerning an alleged theft at a University of Oregon fraternity.

UO football players Jeremiah Masoli and Garrett Embry have been accused of taking laptop computers and other items from the frat.

To my knowledge, Schnell is the only reporter to have interviewed the student making the accusation. She also was the only reporter to camp out on UO athletic director Mike Bellotti's doorstep in an attempt to get a comment.

Guts, hustle and determination will take you a long way in the business.

Where this story will lead remains unclear.

As of this writing, no charges have been filed. The UO football program and athletic department are taking a no-comment position in public, which is proper until the Eugene police department decides whether or not to file charges.

In the meantime, it might be a good idea for UO coach Chip Kelly to remind his guys that they are public figures in Eugene, and it would be best to avoid situations that could lead to trouble.